She sighed in my mouth and I took the opportunity to taste her, running my tongue across her slightly parted lips. I nearly moaned; she tasted like sin and chocolate. I gently opened her lips further with my own and ran my tongue across hers, what began as a simple kiss quickly turned into a lust infused kiss that had us both panting. I pulled back slightly and ran my tongue across her lips once more flicking her lip ring. I watched as she opened her eyes slowly, the usual lilac color had deepened with want.
We sat there staring at one another just breathing, until I heard footsteps heading our way. I pressed a soft kiss to her lips before I stood and headed towards the back room. I needed to get ready for tonight, and I needed to get away from Jules before I did something dumb, well, dumber than I already had.
I made sure to stay far away from Jules, when we finally went on stage, I let out a breath. I could still taste her and it was driving me crazy. I didn’t know why I kissed her, I knew better. Luckily once we started playing I was able to put it out of my head, or that’s what I had thought. Only I kept catching myself glancing over in the wings to check on her. I could still see her the last time she was backstage and her pale face. I didn’t want that to happen, I was just trying to do what my brother asked.
I kept trying to justify I was just taking care of her, only I knew I was lying to myself. I wasn’t doing it for Max; I needed to make sure she was safe. I forced myself not to look back her direction and instead threw myself into the show. She needed more than I could give.
Chapter 22
Jules
After Denver, we drove the short trip to Colorado Springs where they were playing at a club the next night. It was a small show that was going to be filmed. They wanted a smaller more intimate venue. I was excited because we would be sleeping off the bus. I wanted to get away from everyone for a while, especially after the kiss I had shared with Sam.
When we got to the hotel Ian left to make sure everything was ready before the band got off the bus. Everyone was exhausted and ready for a real bed and food. We were all antsy so when Ian came back it was a race out the doors. He passed out keycards and we quickly took off towards the hotel and the bank of elevators. I leaned against the far wall beside X.
“Tired?” He asked quietly.
I nodded and rolled my head so I could look at him. “You?”
“Nah,” he replied while yawning.
As soon as the elevator dinged, we all climbed off and quickly found our rooms. I was grateful that we weren’t all sharing a suite like we had in Vegas. A room of my own sounded like heaven after being stuck with them on a tour bus for so long. At this point, I wasn’t even sure how many days it had been. They all seemed to blur together.
I found my room, quickly entered, dropped my bags by the door, and then made a beeline for the bed which I fell into. I had no intentions of getting up before I had a decent eight hours sleep. If anyone woke me before then I couldn’t attest for their safety. Almost as soon as my head hit the pillow I was asleep, dreaming of warm lips and blue eyes.
I woke in the morning, laying there snuggled and wrapped up in warm blankets. I didn’t want to get up but I needed to. When I couldn’t take it any longer, I rolled and unraveled the blankets I had been cocooned in, then headed to the bathroom. The idea of a long hot shower beckoned me.
When I was finished with my almost hour-long shower, I pulled on a pair of yoga pants and a long sleeve shirt. Shoved my feet in my Jack Skellington slipper boots and went in search of food and coffee. I noticed a coffee shop that had been in the lobby last night.
I ordered a latte and scone, when I had them in my possession I found a table. I took a drink of my coffee, a bite of scone, then pulled my phone out. I needed to talk to someone about what happened yesterday.
Me: You awake
Max: am now
Me: We kissed
Max: who kissed?
Me: your brother and I kissed
Max: and?
Me: haven’t talked to him since
Max: why not?
Me: not sure if he’s avoiding me or I’m avoiding him
Max: why are you avoiding him?
Me: you know why
Max: actually I don’t
Me: Beau
Max: what about the ass nugget?
Me: I think he broke me
Max: no he didn’t
Me: how can you be sure?
Max: you’re too strong to let some douche canoe break you
Me: why am I so stupid?
Max: you’re not stupid Jules
Me: I’m scared
Max: of course you are, so is Sam
Me: tell me what to do
Max: I can’t
Me: why not?
Max: this is something you two have to work out yourselves
Me: why did I put up with it? If I’m so strong why didn’t I stop it
Max: you thought you loved him, you wanted to help him
Me: have you seen him?
Max: yep, he was standing across from the shop yesterday
Me: you didn’t do anything did you?
Max: nope, but Cris did
Me: what did he do?
Max: let’s just say he won’t be so pretty if you see him again
Me: why would he do that?
Max: because he’s your big brother, it’s his job
Me: he didn’t get into trouble did he?
Me: Max?
Me: fuck he did, didn’t he?
Me: I’m coming home
Max: no you’re not, he’s fine
Me: why can’t I come home?
Max: just stay until they come home, it’s safer
Me: what aren’t you telling me?
Max: nothing
I knew he was lying to me, there was something going on. I also knew he wouldn’t tell me. He, like everyone else, thought they were protecting me. It didn’t matter that I was an adult. I put my phone down and finished my breakfast. I’d try Devi later and see if I could get any more details later, or maybe I’d call Ash instead. Except I was worried Ash would be mad at me for getting Cris in trouble. Devi would be safer; I wasn’t ready to talk to Ash yet.
Sam
I was in the process of making coffee in my hotel room when a buzzing noise made me look over to see my phone vibrating against the bedside table. I finished pouring the water in, then hit the button to make it brew before answering.
“Hello?”
“Hey Sam.”
“What’s up, Max?”
“Some trouble came up here.”
“Dad?”
“No,” he chuckled. “Cris was arrested yesterday.”
“Why?”
“He beat the shit out of Jules’ ex.”
“Good for him,” I muttered.
“Yeah but the guy started spouting off some threats.”
“What kind of threats?”
“Not sure, we’re still looking into them.”
“Max,” I growled.
“There’s nothing you can do from there, just keep an eye on her, okay?”
“Yeah, of course.”
“Oh and congrats on getting the balls to finally kiss her,” he said laughing.
I groaned and rubbed the back of my neck. “She told you?”
“Of course, she tells me everything.”
“I didn’t mean for it to happen.”
“Sam, do not play her,” I could hear the anger in his voice.
“I’m not trying to.”
“Seriously, she can’t handle you playing some game with her.”
I sighed. “I can’t handle one either.”
“Sam,” he said softly, “be careful with her, but I think if you actually gave it a chance you two could help one another.”
“Max, I don’t want anything serious with anyone.”
“I get that, but bro, just talk to her.”
“How’s Mom holding up?”
“She’s still interviewing more nurses for Dad.”
“Good.”
“Since she’s finally realized having help is a good idea, it makes my life so much easier.”
“How’s Dad?”
“He has his good days and his bad days,” Max said quietly.
“I’ll be home soon.”
“Mom will be happy. She’s still pissed you went on tour when he’s sick.”
“It couldn’t be helped.”
“I know, but she doesn’t understand.”
I rubbed the bridge of my nose. “I know she doesn’t.”
“It’s fine, everything is good here, I promise.”
“Call me if you need anything.”
“I will. And take care of my best friend, yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“And don’t break her heart. She couldn’t handle it, not from you.”
“What do you mean, not from me?”
“Nothing. Never mind. I gotta go.”
With that, he hung up on me, I flopped back on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. My brother was a pain in the ass. I closed my eyes and envisioned swollen lips and lilac eyes. I jerked up off the bed and fixed myself a cup of coffee before heading over to my couch, and pulled the acoustic guitar out of its case. I had a riff floating through my head and I wanted to get it down before I lost it. Then I would go and search out Jules, I needed to make sure she was okay. I had promised my brother.
I pushed myself up from the bed and got dressed. Then went in search of Jules, I was standing outside her room knocking when X came walking down the hall. He looked at me, then the room number before smirking at me.
“She’s not there.”
I sighed. “Where is she?”
“Down in the café,” he said smugly.
I rubbed my forehead trying to stem the headache I could feel building. “What aren’t you telling me, Xavier?”
He chuckled then walked off. “Better hurry,” he called back then walked into his room.
I headed towards the elevator; I had promised I’d keep an eye on her. He really needed to tell me what threats were made so I had a better understanding of the situation. Either way, I’d have security with her at all times until this whole fiasco ended.
When I walked in the lobby, I saw the small café that was tucked away. I walked in and found Jules sitting with two of the guys from Warped Morality. Thatcher, their bass player had an arm draped across her back, staring down her shirt while her head was thrown back laughing. Keaton was sitting across from her laughing in his coffee cup. All I wanted to do was go and rip Thatcher’s arm from his body.
Jules turned her head in my direction, her eyes shining in amusement, she quirked her lips up in a smile and I felt my heart stutter. I reached up and rubbed my chest then turned and headed to the counter. I needed coffee; I needed to get the image of her laughter from my head. I really needed to get my anger under control before I permanently damaged Thatcher for being near her.
I ordered a coffee and stood aside while they got it; I felt my phone vibrate and fished it out of my pocket.
“Yes?”
“Find her?”
“Yep,” I clipped.
“You sound pissed,” X taunted.
I grit my teeth. “Not at all.”
“Uh huh, keep telling yourself that.” Then he hung up.
I took my coffee from the barista and headed over to where Jules was sitting. Today was going to suck.
Chapter 23
Jules
I sat half listening to Thatcher as he told me some of the things he’d seen the groupies do while on tour to get attention. He reminded me of what a younger of Xavier would have been. Keaton was quiet; he just sat back and watched everything that happened around him. Keaton looked up at me and smiled slightly then nodded towards where Sam was staring at us from the counter.
“Something going on there?” He asked quietly.
“Don’t know,” I answered just as quietly and honestly. I didn’t know what was going on with us if anything.
I kept my eyes locked with Sam’s trying to decipher what was rolling through him. I saw the anger, but I wasn’t sure whom with. He continued to stare at me as he walked over to our table and sat down across from Thatcher.
“Good morning,” he murmured.
“Morning,” I replied and finally looked away.
“Where have you been keeping Jules hidden away Sam?” Thatcher asked. I looked over at Keaton and rolled my eyes.
He chuckled quietly while Sam stared at Thatcher; it reminded me of that saying ‘if looks could kill.’
“What time do you need to leave to get where ever the show is?” I asked Sam trying to break his stare down with Thatcher.
“In a few hours,” Sam said looking over at me. “You coming this time? Or are you staying here?”
“We’re not leaving after the show?”
“We are, but the bus is staying here. After the show, we’re coming back here then heading out.”
“I think I’ll hang out here, maybe get some work done.”
“You could come out with us,” Thatcher offered.
“You’re not playing?”
“Nah, this is just a My Misery Muse show,” he said with a shrug. “Some of us are going to go out and party before we leave tonight.”
“No thanks,” I said smiling over at him. “I think I just want to hang out in a non-moving bed for a while.”
Thatcher grinned at me. “Non-moving bed, huh? What have you been getting up to on that bus of yours?”
I felt my cheeks burn at the way that sounded. “Nothing,” I mumbled. “I just meant…” I stammered. “I mean…”
He laughed. “I get it, Jules, just couldn’t resist.”
I looked down at the table and willed my cheeks to go back to normal. Only I could feel Sam’s eyes on me, which only caused them to flush more.
“We’ll leave security with you,” Sam said.
I looked up at him and nodded.
“I’ll be here,” Keaton said quietly.
“You’re not going out?”
“Not my thing.”
“Mine either.” He smiled at me and I returned it.
“When we get back, we’ll head to Albuquerque,” Sam reminded me. “So make sure you’re ready.”
“Will do.”
He nodded. “I need to go check on things.” He looked at me one more time before standing and walking out of the café.
I sighed and laid my head down on the table.
Keaton laughed. “He has it bad.”
“Who has what bad?”
“Sam, he likes you.” I heard a chair scrape. “Come on, Jules, let’s go find something to do.”
“Fine,” I mumbled.
I stood and followed Keaton out of the café. I liked Keaton; he was soothing to be around.
Sam
We walked off the stage and I was relieved. Standing under the stage lights, sweating my ass off was bad enough, add in the extra lighting for the filming and I was miserable. I took a bottle of Gatorade from one of the stagehands and gulped it down, tossed it in the trash, and took a second bottle. We headed to the green room that the bar had supplied us for the night.
“I want a fucking shower,” Eli grumbled.
“Amen,” sighed Seth, “you stink, Eli.”
“Fuck off, Seth,” Eli growled. “You try playing drums under all those fucking lights.”
“I get the first shower,” X quipped. “I’m the star.”
I looked over at Seth and saw the glimmer in his eyes. We both threw out now empty bottles at X.
“Hey,” he yelled when one of them pelted him in the head. “You’ll mess up my hair.”
I snorted. “Doesn’t matter, we don’t have time for you to fuck your way through the groupies tonight.”
“Sam,” he breathed dramatically, “there is always time to fuck.”
I rolled my eyes. “Not tonight, we need to get back to the hotel.”
“Just because you aren’t
getting any doesn’t mean you have to deprive the rest of us,” X whined.
“Why don’t you pick someone out for a quickie?” Eli added, “You seem more irritable than normal.”
“And a quick fuck with a faceless girl will fix that?” I asked.
“Stress relief,” X quipped.
“No thanks,” I grunted.
I felt Seth’s eyes on me but I studiously ignored it.
“How long has it been?” X asked seriously.
“Dunno, Seattle, I think.”
“Dude, that was in like November,” Eli gasped.
“Yep.”
“Okay I get you aren’t into sleeping with a bunch of groupies, but come on Sam, you don’t do the celibate thing either.” X said looking over at me. “So what gives?”
“Just been busy.”
“No, you’re not any busier now than you are any other tour,” Seth said quietly.
We walked into the green room and I grabbed a bottle of water from a bowl of ice.
“Just not into it, I guess.”
“No, you’re just not into it unless it’s a particular brunette,” X said eyeing me.
I scrubbed a hand over my face and sighed. “There’s no one particular, just not into the whole groupie thing anymore.”
X pointed his bottle of water at me. “You were never into the groupie thing like the rest of us, but it never stopped you from getting some every few weeks. Since we went back home, you’ve been different.”
“Don’t deny you have a thing for Jules,” Eli smirked over at me. “I saw you in the bunk room.”
I snapped my head in his direction. “What do you mean saw me?”
“Yesterday, you and Jules kissing on the floor in between the bunks,” he clarified.
I swallowed roughly then closed my eyes. “It was a mistake.”
I heard Seth sigh. “Just don’t hurt her,” he muttered then walked off.
“Don’t worry, Sam, I’m sure Keaton took good care of her,” Xavier quipped.
“What?” I growled.
“Oh she didn’t tell you? They were hanging out in her room when we came here.”
I watched as X walked away and Eli took off to the bathroom. My legs gave out and I plopped down on the couch with my head between my knees. I couldn’t catch my breath, the thought of someone else touching her, the images running through my head, it all made me want to kill someone.
Believed (My Misery Muse) Page 13